You don't say what model Gitane. Pretty sure MAFAC Racers were still around in 1978, but had been pushed down to mid-to-low end bikes. Better models would have had MAFAC Competition, the successor to the Racer and only a moderately different design. Not sure if MAFAC LS sidepulls had come out yet in 1978. Other possibilities would be CLB CP's or SP, although the better SP's are very rare now. Some French builders also used Weinmann CP or SP although these brakes were Swiss, not French.
Regards,
Jerry Moos Big Spring, TX
Doug Van Cleve <dvancleve@gmail.com> wrote: Howdy folks,
My brother has a Gitane that was purchased new in Paris in 1978 by my uncle for my dad (who never really rode it). It was originally all Shimano 600EX 12 speed except for the seatpost. Over the years we have switched it to all period correct (I think) French stuff except for the Sugino seatpost (put back on when the Simplex alloy kept slipping) and 600EX headset (kinda cool, don't have proper headset tools). It has Campy Gran Sport brakes, but I am wondering what it would likely have had if it were sold all French? I would think that it is new enough that it wouldn't have had Mafac Racers. Any ideas?
Thanks and happy New Year :^)
Doug Van Cleve
Chandler, AZ USA